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Halloween Safety for Dogs

October 15, 2015

Halloween is one of America’s biggest holidays. Many people of all ages have fun dressing up in silly costumes and indulging in some yummy candy. The autumn holiday does bring some specific dangers for dogs, however, so you’ll want to take a few precautions to keep Fido safe this time of year. In this article, a Highland, MI veterinarian offers tips for keeping dogs safe at Halloween.

Keeping Fido Calm

Dogs can get very excited, and sometimes unnerved, by a steady stream of arrivals. If your neighborhood gets busy on Halloween night, you may want to keep your four-legged pal in a comfy back room while the trick-or-treaters are out, so he doesn’t get agitated or try to bolt out an open door. Don’t leave Fido out in the yard on Halloween night, either: keep your furry pal safe and sound indoors.

Candy

Halloween candy can be very, very dangerous for our canine friends. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, and anything with xylitol in it are all toxic to dogs. Grapes, currants, and raisins are very poisonous to Man’s Best Friend as well. You’ll also want to be sure to keep small, hard candies away from your pooch, as he could choke if he tries to eat any.

Costumes

One has to admit that Fido has worn some pretty clever Halloween costumes in the past. He’s been a dinosaur, a hot dog, a spider, and even a pumpkin, to name a few. If you dress your canine pal up, be sure to put his safety first. Never put dogs in clothes that are tight or constricting, or anything with loose threads or small parts, like buttons, that could be choking hazards. Also, keep in mind that not all of our furry friends like wearing clothes. If your pooch hates being dressed up, don’t force him into a costume.

Pumpkins

If you have a dog, be very careful with where you place any lit jack-o-lanterns. Pets and fire just don’t mix! While pumpkin flesh itself isn’t toxic to dogs, and is actually healthy, Fido could get intestinal blockages from eating chunks of raw pumpkin or too many seeds.

Do you have any questions about your dog’s health, care, or behavior? Is Fido due for vaccinations or a checkup? We are here to help! Please contact us, your Highland, MI vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs.